Two iconic Hollyoaks faces are set to stage dramatic returns next week, bringing chaos in their wake. Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) and Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) will receive the shock of their lives when Leah Barnes (Charlotte Riley) and Imran Maalik (Ijaz Rana) reappear in the village. Their comebacks are not the only surprise, as the pair are now in a relationship, and their arrival sets tongues wagging when the glamorous couple walk into the village hand-in-hand.
Ste and Misbah Demand Answers
Ste and Misbah are flabbergasted and immediately demand answers. Leah reveals that she and Imran are moving back to the village, having purchased a riverside property. Ste, who visited her only a few weeks ago, wants to know why she kept this information from him. Leah admits that she did not want him to get carried away with her relationship and newfound wealth.
Leah's Past and Imran's Journey
Leah, played by Ela-May Demircan for 14 years, left Hollyoaks after the time jump in 2024. It was revealed that she had slept with her brother Lucas Hay's (Oscar Curtis) boyfriend Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), giving birth to his son. She then headed to America to become a lawyer, leaving baby James in Ste's custody. Dillon later left the village with his one-year-old son. Imran, meanwhile, was last seen in the village in 2023 when he decided to embark on an exciting new chapter, moving to London to share a flat with his brother Sami (Rishi Nair), who had left the village years prior.
A Welcome Home Party
It seems life has been kind to them in the years that followed, as Imran and Leah return to the village with money aplenty. To mark her return, Leah decides to throw a welcome home party at The Dog, taking Ste shopping to get something to eat for the event. Misbah, meanwhile, is incredibly confused about Imran and Leah's careers, with Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) forced to step in and help her understand it all. At the party, Misbah is proud of Imran and his achievements, Vicky avoids eating, and Ste takes advantage of the free food and gifts from Leah.
Vicky's Aspirations and Leah's Next Project
Later, Vicky feels she wants more out of life, given how successful Leah has proven to be. Leah quickly reminds Vicky that she is beautiful and has her own business. With chemistry evident between Vicky and Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer), Leah has an idea, informing Imran that she has found her next project. But just what is she up to?
Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
